There's reason to believe this team can get on a run

Packers’ offense continues to gain momentum in spite of injuries

November 1, 2016

byWes Hodkiewicz

Vincent from Campbell, CA

That was a great game to watch. I didn't like the Packers getting docked that injury timeout. It definitely changed the way the Packers had to play that last series. I thought they were gonna muster up enough luck to pull it off. Oh well.

As a fan of professional football, I thought that was an amazing game to watch. I’m sorry Packer fans came out on the losing end, but that might have been the most fun I’ve ever had covering a football game. I was glued to the field from beginning to end.

Lucas from Stevens Point, WI

I was content with the outcome of the game, if not optimistic. Down two of our top four receivers (who also double as RBs), our top two RBs, Clay Matthews, and starting our No. 4 CB, we played a great game. If we can make a push into the playoffs and get healthy, watch out, because there won't be much film of this team fully healthy to plan against.

Say this about the 2016 Green Bay Packers – they’ve been far from predictable. How many of you would have guessed Davante Adams would be lining up in the backfield against Atlanta? They’re doing the best they can with what they have. Assuming a few playmakers can get healthy in the next few weeks, there’s reason to believe this team can get on a run.

Josh from Pullman, WA

Did anybody else love how Ripkowski runs the ball out of shotgun formations? Get it, head straight north, carry a couple people with you.

He had a good game and produced when called upon to carry the ball. His power always has impressed me, but as you said he’s shown he’s pretty difficult to take down. The Packers seem to have found something there with both Ripkowski’s ability to keep his feet churning and the offensive line pushing him for a few extra yards. I thought it said a lot about the coaches’ confidence in him when they used Ripkowski in the backfield to protect Rodgers in a few third-down situations.

Andy from Thompsontown, PA

After his performance the last few weeks, can we get some love for Ripkowski? Is it time to start chanting RRRRIIIIPPPP?

Guess what? I gotta fever and the only prescription is more Ripkowski.

Jordan from Council Bluffs, IA

There is no question there are positives that can be taken away from the game in Atlanta. Lesser-known players were making plays all afternoon. Is there such a thing as a "good" loss?

You’d still prefer to win ugly, but I could see this game propelling the Packers forward into their season. The offense has moved the ball well for the past few weeks now despite all the turnover at running back and receiver. I don’t know how much the outcome will weigh into how the Packers play going forward, but Rodgers and the offense continue to gain momentum in spite of all the injuries.

Don from Albuquerque, NM

I don't get the raving about Aaron's performance. I counted eight passes off their mark. Completing a couple of those could have changed the game.

The Packers aren’t in that game without Rodgers. It’s incredible what the offense was able to accomplish without its top two running backs, No. 2 and No. 4 receivers, and No. 1 tight end. You’re right about a couple throws possibly changing the outcome, but the same could be said for literally every phase of the game.

Aaron from Fort McMurray, Canada

"I think they’d rather lose 33-32 than win 6-3"... Not true, the 9-0 victory over the Jets in the 2010 season is probably the best game I ever saw.

I’m with you, Aaron. That game was a blast.

Nick from Charlotte, NC

Injuries have finally caught up with us, haven't they?

That’s a leading question. The Packers also lost by a point Sunday. When they’re unable to put a team on the field or lose by four touchdowns, I’ll concede that injuries have zapped all hope from the season.

Braedon from Endicott, NY

Three losses against arguably the three best teams in the NFC. Two of which were very close and on the road. I feel good about this team. Despite crucial injuries on both sides of the ball, we can still make it a good game and I'm looking forward to this team's future.

The Packers lost to the Falcons during the 2010 regular season, as well. Things worked out OK in the end.

Troy from Rockville, MD

I think this is a great opportunity to go after Joe Haden before the trade deadline. What do you think?

I think he’ll be a big upgrade for your Madden team.

Scott from Green Bay, WI

Aaron Rodgers throws the ball 38 times and runs it six. Three other Packers rush the ball 13 times. Who do you think our opponents fear more, the "balanced-run-and-pass" Packers, or the ball-advancing-through-the-hand-and-feet-of-Rodgers-about-80%-of the time Packers?

Rodgers is dangerous anytime he has the ball in his hand. The key is making sure he isn’t taking unnecessary hits or being put in a compromised position. His scrambling ability is icing on the cake and something defenses must keep in mind, but it’s not realistic to expect him to rush for 60 yards every week. The situation simply called for it in the second half against Atlanta.

David from Lehi, UT

Any comments on Gunter's performance Sunday? I thought he did an awesome job on Julio Jones.

I agree. I thought he matched Jones’ physicality at the line of scrimmage. The arrow continues to point up for the former undrafted free agent.

Alan from Mount Auburn, IL

Please explain the first two penalties against the Falcons to start the game. I never heard of them before.

Are you referring to the consecutive illegal procedure penalties? If so, you can’t have a receiver lined up directly behind another. I believe that’s what the refs flagged them for.

Matthew from Lino Lakes, MN

Nothing in the Inbox yesterday about Trevor Davis? What a game he had. The kid can absolutely fly.

Davis really showed what he can do if Green Bay’s jammers are able to wash opposing gunners out of his vicinity. Everyone knew he was fast, but his explosiveness could be what separates him as he gets more comfortable in the offense and on special teams. He made a savvy move in coming back to the ball when Rodgers rolled his way on the 9-yard touchdown.

Paul from Ellensburg, WA

I loved seeing Geronimo Allison out there and getting a TD no less. He looked great in the preseason, too. I hate injuries to key players, but I'm also looking forward to seeing this UDFA become an offensive star in the future.

As Randall Cobb said last week, Allison brings something different to the offense. He still has a lot to learn before throwing words like “star” out there, but I like his makeup. Hopefully, Geronimo makes the most out of this opportunity like he did in the preseason.

Joe from Asbury, IA

Holy smokes, 10 out of the 16 NFC teams have 3 or 4 wins. I was proud of how the team played, just one too many injuries to overcome against a really good football team. If the Packers can get somewhat healthy and put together a strong second half everything is still wide-open and within reach. The offense appears fine. Do you believe it's the defense that needs all hands on deck at this point?

That’s the thing about the NFL – it’s not easy to play well in every single phase of the game week after week. There’s too much parity and too many variables. You chase perfection and try to catch excellence. The defense will have some lights-out performances going forward, and it’ll probably have a few the Packers will want to have back. That’s just how it works and why I always preach an even-keeled approach.

Matt from Hartford, WI

With the Packers running back situation, I expect to see Ty Montgomery in the backfield for at least the end of this year, barring a return from Lacy and Starks. Would you expect a permanent position change for Montgomery next year?

No. I apologize to your fantasy team in advance.

Tom from Lake Mary, FL

Is there a league limit as to what a team can pay an individual player on their practice squad? Would the expansion and/or changing the structure of the practice squad help teams deal with injuries? I agree that the number of injuries is having an impact on the viewing public.

There’s no limit to what you can pay a practice-squad player, but his salary counts towards the salary cap.

John from Dublin, Ireland

Do you have any thoughts on why the Packers get hit with injuries more than other teams? Surely it's not all bad luck.

I wish I could get a group of fans from all 32 NFL teams in a room for coffee because I assure you the average fan in every NFL city thinks his or her team is the most injured. The reality is every team deals with injuries…Oh, and don’t call me Shirley.

Mike from La Crosse, WI

I don't understand why Ted Thompson is so concerned with coming in way below the salary cap when he doesn't even have an owner to answer to. That money could easily be used to fill a need for the current season instead of strictly drafting for the future. When you have a 30-plus-year-old Rodgers, the future is now. What is the benefit in coming in millions below the cap? Where does that money go? Why not use it to fill an obvious void?

A common misconception is the money is wasted. Since the most recent CBA, you can carry over excess cap space and put it towards next season. So if the Hodkiewicz Hedgehogs have $12 million left over at the end of the 2016 season, we can use that extra money to sign free agents for 2017.

Blake from Dallas, TX

I think we have a great coaching staff, so I hope this comes off as a genuine question made to gain insight, not Monday morning quarterbacking. The announcers made note the lack of Packers blitzing was to help the depleted secondary. All things considered, I though they held up OK. With that said Atlanta was racking up the pass yards and I do wonder if blitzing late in the game could've helped the secondary more. Please let me know your thoughts, thanks!

Dom Capers laughed when he was asked this question on Monday. I don’t know how many times in his career he’s been accused of not blitzing enough. He basically invented the art of the blitz. Anyway, the Packers had to pick their poison. If you’re going to commit a safety over Julio Jones’ coverage, it’s going to limit how many times you can blitz. The Packers were smart about it and nearly forced a pick-six late off a timely call.

Jihad from Paterson, NJ

Do you guys think that we would have had a chance to win against the Falcons if we had Randall Cobb, Clay Matthews, and Ty Montgomery?

I think Cobb, Matthews and Montgomery are worth at least two points.

Tim from Escanaba, MI

This team feels stale to me. Same faces in charge. Same faces on the injury list. Same old offense and defense. Don't know why, but the whole organization feels as if it's plateaued. Actually looking forward to a couple of bad seasons, followed by new blood and vision.

I’m sorry Tim, but I’m about to lay into you here. I cannot stand when people take success for granted. Do you have any idea what fans in Cleveland or Buffalo would do to make the playoffs once, let alone seven consecutive years? Or how about the difficulty involved with creating a winning culture and sustaining success? Don’t be so spoiled.

Jared from Pewaukee, WI

Being a lifelong Packer fan, I find something particularly winsome when other fans find sadness in victory and happiness in defeat.

You should meet my friend Tim.

Marco from Garden City, KS

Packers can’t beat good teams. May as well tank and get a good pick, right?